New York Giants 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0
One thing is clear, the Giants can run the football. The Giants offensive line is one of the best in football and it continually opened up holes for Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Jacobs rushed for 92 yards and a TD on 26 carries while the Giants did a great job of getting Bradshaw into open space, leading to 104 yards on 14 carries. Eli Manning only had 161 yards following his strong Sunday night showing last week in Dallas, but the Giants leaned heavily on the run as the Bucs could not stop the Giants' rushing attack. Manning again showed great rhythm with his top two receives, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham. Smith and Manningham showed the ability to run crisp routes and separate from coverage. Smith ended up with 63 yards and a TD on 7 catches while Manningham had 4 catches for 55 yards. It is going to be difficult for Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks to unseat Smith and Manningham when the aforementioned return from injuries. The Giants D was remarkable as they did not allow a first down in the entire first half. This is a unit that should be started nearly every week no matter who their opponent is.
For the Bucs, this was simply a dreadful performance. Byron Leftwich made poor decisions and could not hit the broad side of a barn. He was 7-16 for 22 yards and an interception and was replaced by Josh Johnson, who will start in Week 4. Cadillac Williams lead the Bucs with 8 yards rushing. Yep, 8 yards. This offense was putrid. Antonio Bryant finished with 1 catch for 6 yards and doesn't seem to be getting the same separation as last year, although he was questionable to play this game as late as Sunday morning due to a knee injury.
Game recap by Michael Smith Email Michael
| |
NYG |
TB |
Advantage |
| First Downs |
27 |
5 |
NYG |
| by Rushing |
12 |
2 |
|
| by Passing |
12 |
2 |
|
| by Penalty |
3 |
1 |
|
| 3rd down conversions |
10-16 (62.5%) |
0-9 (0.0%) |
NYG |
| 4th down conversions |
0-0 ( - ) |
1-2 (50.0%) |
n/a |
| Totals net yards |
397 |
86 |
NYG |
| Totals rushing/passing plays |
76 |
36 |
|
| Average gain per offensive play |
5.2 |
2.4 |
|
| Rushing yards |
226 |
28 |
NYG |
| Rushing plays |
49 |
10 |
|
| Average gain per rushing play |
4.6 |
2.8 |
|
| Tackled for a loss (number-yards) |
3-5 |
1-5 |
|
| Passing yards |
171 |
58 |
NYG |
| Completions-Attempts |
16-27 (59.3%) |
11-26 (42.3%) |
NYG |
| Times sacked (number-yards) |
0-0 |
0-0 |
|
| Gross passing yards |
171 |
58 |
|
| Interceptions |
0 |
1 |
NYG |
| Punts (number-average) |
4-50.0 |
7-44.4 |
NYG |
| Penalties (number-yards) |
5-60 |
5-25 |
TB |
| Fumbles (number-lost) |
0-0 |
0-0 |
- |
| Time of possession |
43:38 |
16:22 |
NYG |
|
